Senator Suntorn highlights a silent threat from more than 100 luxury condominiums and high-rise buildings across Bangkok suspected of violating building control laws by lacking the required 6-meter-wide roads for fire trucks to circulate. He exposes suspicious cases where the approved building plans differ from the actual construction and calls on the Ministry of Interior and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to enforce stricter controls.
On 1 September 2026, reporters at the Parliament building reported that during a Senate session under Rule 18 to discuss public grievances, Senator Suntorn Pruksapipat, chairman of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee under the Senate Committee on Political Development, Public Participation, Human Rights, Freedoms, and Consumer Protection, rose to warn about structural dangers titled “Hidden Threats from High-Rise Buildings Before It's Too Late.” He stated that numerous high-rise and luxury condominium buildings currently appear to violate building control laws, which clearly require such buildings to be surrounded by roads at least 6 meters wide to allow fire trucks and rescue vehicles full access in emergencies.
Senator Suntorn disclosed that, through coordination and joint inspections with the Consumer Council, which has received complaints from the public since late last year, they found more than 50 high-rise and condominium projects by prominent real estate developers in Bangkok and its metropolitan area violating these laws. Recent data updates indicate that the number has now risen to over 100 buildings.
"Comparing the building permit plans submitted with those used for advertising and actual construction reveals modifications to the surrounding areas that eliminate the required 6-meter access roads mandated by law. This poses a serious threat to the lives and property of residents," he said.
Senator Suntorn continued that a clear warning sign occurred recently during a car repair shop fire, where flames came close to condominiums on both sides. Both buildings also lacked the 6-meter-wide roads around them. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the buildings, but the government should not wait for losses to happen before taking action.
He also sent a direct signal to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Ministry of Interior, which oversees the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, urging them to promptly conduct field inspections, strictly control the issuance of permits, and enforce the law against operators firmly. Authorities must not allow this to become another repetitive “lesson learned” scenario like past tragic nightclub fires. Toward the end, Senator Suntorn also raised concerns about the safety standards of the Parliament building itself.
Additionally, he warned condominium residents to jointly inspect their project's surroundings to confirm whether there are 6-meter-wide roads. If any irregularities are found, they should promptly report to relevant agencies to protect their rights and safety.